There does not seem to be much interest in this game based on the messages posted here and on the Central Michigan boards. Let's see if we can generate a few comments before this Saturday.

The Central Michigan football program is down, no doubt about it. We don't like it but that's the way it is, at least for now.

Many of you are looking at this as an easy win. But don't be so sure. We have been able to defeat Akron the last two years, it may have been the last three years, and with the game in Mt. Pleasant it could be another win for the Chippewas.

Most of the people on our boards see this as a close game. My prediction is Central Michigan 24 - Akron 17.

And don't expect much of a crowd. Our attendance has been steadily dropping as the losing seasons pile up. We only managed to get 8,300 last week and I expect that number to go even lower this Saturday. A lot of people up here have given up on the Chippewas for this year, especially the students. It's really sad to see. Many of the alumni like myself remember when we were winning and the place was full. But I am sure we will get back to that before too much longer.

I am looking forward to watching Frye. And I am guessing he will put up some significant numbers throwing the ball. We have not been very good against the pass so far this season.

We'll see what happens.

The zips are a team that is reeling. `The Marshall ****** kicking hurt like hell and the devasting deafeat by UCOnn still stings.

I expect us to play up to the level of the competetion but the game might be in question until the final second ticks off the clock.

Zips 35
CM 14

I don't think that any of us are taking this game lightly. Hell, we went to Eastern last year and got our butts handed to us. Like 'Dude said, we always seem to play to our competition's level or below for away games. I also think it'll be a tough one but, as always, I gotta back the Zips...UA 35, CMU 28.

Some things I'll be watching for on Saturday:

1) Which team will stop the run? CMU hasn't done it well most of the season, although we did a decent job against EMU. It appears Akron is also somewhat generous in this dept., allowing 170 yards/game. CMU has the better ground game, but AKron's 160 yards/game is more than respectable.

2) Now that CMU's secondary is getting healthy again, will we be able to slow Fry down, as we did last season? We are getting more pressure on QBs lately and also making more plays on the ball. UA has also surrendered 25 sacks to CMU's 14. On the flip side, UA's pass defense is only a step or two above CMU's, and is below EMU's, so QB Derrick Vickers could potentially have another good outing.

3) Whose special teams are more special? CMU punts well and has been improving in the kick coverage and kick return depts. Our kickoffs have been excellent, and our FG/XP kicking is solid. Our penchant for blocking kicks in recent years is well-known. Meanwhile, UA gets good field position from its return men and is also solid in the kicking & punting departments.

4) Will our teams "bring it?" We are sandwiched between a stinging loss to Marshall and an in-state rivalry game (Ohio), so how mcuh focus will the Zips have? Also, with WMU on the horizon, will CMU players be ready to play four quarters against Akron? Playing a complete game has been an issue for us this season.

My facetious replies:

1. If your rush defense is seen as weak, we will throw 5 at you all day and abandon the run because making the run work does not enable the pass.

2. If your pass defense is strong we will not run at you but rather have 5 throw as many as possible brcause we are trying to pad our stats.

3.
we would love to be able to run our rushing offense against our defense. what does that tell you ?

4. If we can kickoff the ball consistently to the goal line but cannot get down field quickly enough to cover it, the kicker will be told to pop it up so we can cover

5. Our kick and punt return teams do quite well.

Oh well, BTW I take it back these are not facetious responses, they are the real deal. I am becoming an "urban guerilla" in my old age.

CMU gets some big plays but our special teams will get us a touchdown+ Frye throws for 300 or 400 because no defense can stop him, not even wisconsin

D gives a couple of big plays up but also causes a few turnovers too


CMU 14
ZIPS 42

Quote:CMU 14, ZIPS 42

OK...here's where I'm going to violently disagree. First, CMU has won three straight against Akron with every game being close. I can't see either team's margin of victory being more than, say, 14 points. Second, the game is at Mt. Pleasant. I honestly don't know who will win, but there will be no :chair: of CMU by your team.

Who cares about the past scores - this is a new team and a new year. I believe this team is hungry to win and stop their two game skid.

I like the Zips in this one

Zips 34
CMU 21